Windows Home Server

[IceBoy109]

I've been debating between purchasing/building a NAS or WHS for a bit and I'm trying to figure out possible final costs. The WHS is only going to really be used for backing up 3 other PCs on the network and hosting HD video files to the other PCs. Though not a priority, it would be a perk if it was capable of playing HD videos itself so maybe it could be used as a sort of HTPC. I'm still trying to keep it low powered also since it will be on and running just about 24/7.

I was wondering if I could have someone check out the pieces I've put together to make sure I'm not overlooking something obvious or looking at incompatible parts. Sorry for the amateur nature of this post. Thanks!


APEX TX-381-C Black Steel Micro ATX Tower Computer Case
Model #:TX-381-C
Item #:N82E16811154094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154094
$24.99


GIGABYTE GA-880GM-USB3 AM3 AMD 880G USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Model #:GA-880GM-USB3
Item #:N82E16813128440
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128440
$94.99


Diablotek DA Series PSDA500 500W ATX Power Supply
Model #SDA500
Item #:N82E16817822008
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817822008
$24.99


AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX250OCGMBOX
Model #:ADX250OCGMBOX
Item #:N82E16819103903
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103903
$60.99

Kingston HyperX 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1800 Desktop Memory Model KHX1800C9D3/2G
Model #:KHX1800C9D3/2G
Item #:N82E16820104182
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104182
$41.99

Microsoft Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 (new version) - OEM
Item#: N82E16832116855
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116855
$99.99

SANS DIGITAL TowerRAID TR4UTBPN 4 Bay USB 3.0 / eSATA Hardware RAID 5 Tower (Black)
Item#: N82E16816111149
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16816111149
$179.99



$24.99 - CASE
$94.99 - MOBO
$24.99 - PS
$60.99 - CPU
$41.99 - RAM
$99.99 - OS
$179.99 - TowerRAID
$527.93 - Total

 

[mvbighead]

No to the PSU. I would suggest getting 2 sticks of 1GB as opposed to a single stick of 2GB.

Personally, I would just buy a bigger case that can hold more drives, and scrap the TOWER RAID thingy.

Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-793-_-Product - $26

PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139017 - $45 (-$25 MIR)

The two changes (PSU and Memory) I suggested even out pretty much.

Personally, I have this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129069, and while it isn't the purdiest case out there, it stores all six of my HDDs without a problem, and has plenty of room for other stuff.

This one might be a little more stylish: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129074.

Plus, if you're using it as a server, do you really need a handle to carry it around?

EDIT: By scrapping the RAID Tower, you save yourself 150 bucks. Well worth it IMO.

 

[IceBoy109]

Thanks for the reply, mvbighead. Thanks for the suggestion on the PSU - considering I plan on leaving the unit on 24/7 I wasn't really sure if that was an area I should risk skimping on, and wasn't really that satisfied with my own selection.

Regarding the case - I really couldn't care less about the handle on the case I selected, I was just looking for small footprint, cheap price, and well rated. On the other hand, if I take your advice and ditch the RAID Tower, I'd save money and it's probably have the same footprint. I was coming from the mindset of what I would do if I had an HP Media Server and that's where the RAID tower came to mind.

I guess if I go with the bigger case, ditch the RAID Tower, I could also upgrade the motherboard to one that supports more RAID configurations.

Any suggestions/comments on my CPU choice in terms of whether it could handle HD Playback at all? I don't really expect it to be able to, it would just be a perk. I think low power consumption is still more of a priority. I can't build a machine without wanting it to be able to do everything. Thanks again for your help.

 

[mvbighead]

To be honest, as a Home Server build, the processor should be fine. I would venture to guess the CPU would be fine for HD playback as well given you use an adequate GPU.

I am not sure about the Home Server OS though in terms of HD playback. I was of the impression that the Home Server OS was more of something you manage remotely, and it had very little to do with local playback on that system itself. If you want to play stuff back on the machine you're building, I would think you are going to want a different OS... but I could be wrong.

Again, the CPU should be just fine for the either application, though if you do intend to do playback on the new machine directly, it might not hurt to consider better CPUs, as I have read from a few that, depending on the application, it can lean on the CPU a little.

 

[Zap]

Pre-built WHS box $350 after rebate and this includes 4 HDD bay SFF chassis (with one drive included), the WHS OS itself and a dual core Atom for low power draw.

For building your own:
Chenbro SFF case with 4x HDD hot swap bays $125 + shipping
Zacate motherboard with 5x SATA 6G ports $120 after $20 rebate
(SOB I got that recently for $160 and still haven't used it yet. )
WHS $100
cheap 2GB RAM stick $25 (Zacate is single channel, so get a single stick)

= $370 + cost of hard drives

 

[mfenn]

I am not sure about the Home Server OS though in terms of HD playback. I was of the impression that the Home Server OS was more of something you manage remotely, and it had very little to do with local playback on that system itself. If you want to play stuff back on the machine you're building, I would think you are going to want a different OS... but I could be wrong..

Nope, you're right. WHS was not designed to be logged into directly; you are supposed to manage it remotely instead.

 

[IceBoy109]

Just following up on this thread...

At the suggestion of mvbighead, I went ahead and purchased the stylish case that was recommended. I also grabbed myself a copy of WHS - Power Pack 3 while it was on sale this weekend.

As it turns out, I need to have this build done and taken care of within the next week to replace my roommate's server as he will be moving out and I need to have everything copied over sooner than later.

Unfortunately, the PSU that was suggested is unavailable and I'm sort of in need of suggestions for an alternate.

I still have the following on my list of things to get, and I'm worried about compatibility issues or perhaps performance problems that might arise. THe most important thing to me is that this server will be able to stream hd 1080p video files (over LAN is fine). If my build is overkill (in terms of CPU/Mobo) please let me know. My only means of comparison is the HP MediaSmart server we currently have. So, any last minutes tips/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor

RAM: Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB)

Mobo: ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G

 

[fffblackmage]

Unfortunately, the PSU that was suggested is unavailable and I'm sort of in need of suggestions for an alternate.

CX430 V2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139026

Cpu+mobo+ram should be ok. I picked up a Sempron instead of an Athlon II X2 to save a few bucks.

 

[IceBoy109]

Thanks, fffblackmage for the quick response!

I hope I'm not beating a dead horse on this one, but since I ended up getting a case that supports both the ATX and Micro ATX form factor, is there really any reason for me to stick to the Micro?

At first I was thinking that the Micro will probably use less power, but then I was thinking that maybe the larger ATX version of the board is more efficient - kind of like how higher rated PSUs tend to be more efficient. Also, since there's more space on the standard ATX board, there might be better airflow?

Ultimately, I guess it won't really make too much of a difference, but for $5 more (AR) I get a couple more connectors and it's looking like the better buy. I dunno. Thanks

COMPARISON

Thanks again, folks...you've all been very helpful!

 

[mfenn]

CX430 V2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139026

Cpu+mobo+ram should be ok. I picked up a Sempron instead of an Athlon II X2 to save a few bucks.

:thumbsup:

Thanks, fffblackmage for the quick response!

I hope I'm not beating a dead horse on this one, but since I ended up getting a case that supports both the ATX and Micro ATX form factor, is there really any reason for me to stick to the Micro?

At first I was thinking that the Micro will probably use less power, but then I was thinking that maybe the larger ATX version of the board is more efficient - kind of like how higher rated PSUs tend to be more efficient. Also, since there's more space on the standard ATX board, there might be better airflow?

Ultimately, I guess it won't really make too much of a difference, but for $5 more (AR) I get a couple more connectors and it's looking like the better buy. I dunno. Thanks

COMPARISON

Thanks again, folks...you've all been very helpful!

It doesn't really make a difference in terms of power draw. The only real difference is that the ATX version has more PCI(e) slots. I don't really have an opinion either way, the ATX basically has a MIR to deal with and some more expansion possibilities.

 

[mvbighead]

Thanks, fffblackmage for the quick response!

I hope I'm not beating a dead horse on this one, but since I ended up getting a case that supports both the ATX and Micro ATX form factor, is there really any reason for me to stick to the Micro?

At first I was thinking that the Micro will probably use less power, but then I was thinking that maybe the larger ATX version of the board is more efficient - kind of like how higher rated PSUs tend to be more efficient. Also, since there's more space on the standard ATX board, there might be better airflow?

Ultimately, I guess it won't really make too much of a difference, but for $5 more (AR) I get a couple more connectors and it's looking like the better buy. I dunno. Thanks

COMPARISON

Thanks again, folks...you've all been very helpful!

One benefit to that full-sized ATX board is that it has built in sideport memory for the GPU, so we won't take (as much) memory from the OS. It does have fewer SATA ports though, which may be a drawback as well.

Actually, the dropped internal SATA port is an external e-SATA port, which might AID in backing up your data to external disk for offsite storage if you so choose. Not sure how home server handles that, but it is something to consider.

Personally, for the few extra bucks, I'd get the full sized. I actually own that one and use it in my main rig, and it is quite a good board.

 

[thobel]

I their a reason you bought the old version of WHS? WHS 2011 was released a few weeks ago. Its based on server 2008R2 vs Server 2003.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832416443

Also I would go with 4GB of ram vs 2GB.

If building now I would go with a Quad Core vs a dual core myself. something like
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.638710

It has a little extra power but I't will allow you to grow with the server.

If you just get a case that has enough room for the drives you can dump the SANS tower and use that money for the upgraded cpu/mb

 

[mvbighead]

I their a reason you bought the old version of WHS? WHS 2011 was released a few weeks ago. Its based on server 2008R2 vs Server 2003.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832416443

Also I would go with 4GB of ram vs 2GB.

If building now I would go with a Quad Core vs a dual core myself. something like
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.638710

It has a little extra power but I't will allow you to grow with the server.

If you just get a case that has enough room for the drives you can dump the SANS tower and use that money for the upgraded cpu/mb

Overkill much?

While your point about the software isn't a bad idea (though it sounds like the op got a deal on the older software), the rest of your points are pushing it.

There isn't a single pre-built Windows Home Server on the market that doesn't use an Atom or similar type processor. Most have 2GB only.

And a 2500k for a Home Server? It would make loads more sense for the OP to take his current system, upgrade to the 2500k, and use his old parts as the foundation for a Home Server. But for a box that is something of a glorified file server, processing power is not needed, thus the reason most OEMs stick with Atom processors.

 

[IceBoy109]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Thobel: I'm still debating whether or not I did right in choosing the old version of WHS. Unfortunately, as stated in a previous post, I am quite pressed for time now and need to have this rig up and running by the end of the week. WHS 2011 seems to be out of stock from NewEgg and I'm not sure when they will have more. I got the old version for $85 which seemed like a good buy. Will I have buyer's remorse before I know what hit me? Maybe I should be hitting up my local BB to see if they carry WHS 2011. To be honest, being so rushed I haven't even taken the time to really see what I'd be missing out on. Only last night did I start tinkering with WHS in my VM. Gah!

Regarding the Quad Core....that would just be too pricey for me for a system I want running more in the background. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Thobel: I'm still debating whether or not I did right in choosing the old version of WHS. Unfortunately, as stated in a previous post, I am quite pressed for time now and need to have this rig up and running by the end of the week. WHS 2011 seems to be out of stock from NewEgg and I'm not sure when they will have more. I got the old version for $85 which seemed like a good buy. Will I have buyer's remorse before I know what hit me? Maybe I should be hitting up my local BB to see if they carry WHS 2011. To be honest, being so rushed I haven't even taken the time to really see what I'd be missing out on. Only last night did I start tinkering with WHS in my VM. Gah!

Regarding the Quad Core....that would just be too pricey for me for a system I want running more in the background. Thanks for the suggestion though.

There are some really strong feelings about WHS v2 versus WHS v1. Many feel that the killer feature of WHS v1 was the Drive Extender feature that allowed you to create a single namespace with transparent redundancy (i.e. no proliferation of drive letters). That was removed from WHS v2, which is seen as a step backward.

 

[IceBoy109]

mfenn, I did read a little bit about the Drive Extender feature being removed from v2. I'm having some difficulty finding a clear cut guide explaining how to do what I'm trying to do.

I would like to have four 2TB hard drives used for storing my photos and videos on the Server so that anyone on the home network will be able to access them. I'd like to have 4TB worth of disk space dedicated towards said storage, and the other 4TB used as a nightly/weekly backup copy of the original 4TB (all in the same build.)

I'm not sure if WHS will do this automatically or not. When I install my 2tb drives will I be able to designate which ones are supposed to hold the videos and pictures and which ones are for backing up? I see there is the option to do "Folder Duplication" to create backup copies, but I'm not exactly sure I'm understanding HOW it is WHS handles my files to ensure I won't lose data in the case of a hard drive failure.

Sorry if I'm not making much sense. Perhaps I should be starting a new thread in a new forum? If anyone knows any good WHS Beginner articles I could read up on I'd appreciate it. For right now, I'm just tinkering around with it in my VM until the rest of my build comes in. Thanks.

*Edit*: So the Drive Extender link that mfenn linked to also linked to Microsoft's WHS Technical Brief for DE and that pretty much answers my questions. It looks like WHS will automatically make sure anything set up for "Folder Duplication" or in a Share Folder will be on two separate hard drives in case of a hard drive failure. However, this doesn't really work as a "backup" much the same way people always say RAID is not the same as a backup. :/
*Edit 2*: It looks like I found my answer with some simple searches on how to backup WHS. So basically, I'll just add my first two 2TB drives for use as Server Storage, and then when I add the other two 2TB hard drives I'll identify them as being used for backup. I'm not sure how it does the backup...I'm hoping it does it like an "Echo" and doesn't rewrite every single file over again, but we'll see.

 

[mfenn]

mfenn, I did read a little bit about the Drive Extender feature being removed from v2. I'm having some difficulty finding a clear cut guide explaining how to do what I'm trying to do.

I would like to have four 2TB hard drives used for storing my photos and videos on the Server so that anyone on the home network will be able to access them. I'd like to have 4TB worth of disk space dedicated towards said storage, and the other 4TB used as a nightly/weekly backup copy of the original 4TB (all in the same build.)

I'm not sure if WHS will do this automatically or not. When I install my 2tb drives will I be able to designate which ones are supposed to hold the videos and pictures and which ones are for backing up? I see there is the option to do "Folder Duplication" to create backup copies, but I'm not exactly sure I'm understanding HOW it is WHS handles my files to ensure I won't lose data in the case of a hard drive failure.

Sorry if I'm not making much sense. Perhaps I should be starting a new thread in a new forum? If anyone knows any good WHS Beginner articles I could read up on I'd appreciate it. For right now, I'm just tinkering around with it in my VM until the rest of my build comes in. Thanks.

*Edit*: So the Drive Extender link that mfenn linked to also linked to Microsoft's WHS Technical Brief for DE and that pretty much answers my questions. It looks like WHS will automatically make sure anything set up for "Folder Duplication" or in a Share Folder will be on two separate hard drives in case of a hard drive failure. However, this doesn't really work as a "backup" much the same way people always say RAID is not the same as a backup. :/
*Edit 2*: It looks like I found my answer with some simple searches on how to backup WHS. So basically, I'll just add my first two 2TB drives for use as Server Storage, and then when I add the other two 2TB hard drives I'll identify them as being used for backup. I'm not sure how it does the backup...I'm hoping it does it like an "Echo" and doesn't rewrite every single file over again, but we'll see.

Yeah, Drive Extender is like RAID (is isn't exactly RAID because it works on the file level and not on the block level, but I digress). It is not a backup because it only protects you from hardware failures and not from accidental/malicious deletion.

To be honest, I'm not sure how WHS handles backing up itself (vs. backing up client machines). There are some WHS experts on this forum though, so hopefully they will chime in.